Steadfast Service with Godly Fear

Reverend Leo H. McCrary II

God’s children must not move in a manner where they are concerned about being praised and glorified by their neighbors.

Today’s devotional reading: Hebrews 12:28-29

“God is a consuming fire,” said the writer of Hebrews. How does that make you feel? Fire is destructive, as it can consume everything in its path, leaving a wasteland unless its flames are put out. God’s fire cannot be quenched; it can’t be put out. To be caught up in the fire of God is to be caught up within His judgment.

For the sincere believer, the fire of God reveals one’s works and those works can either endure the flame, if they are righteous, or they will be burned and lost, though the believer will be saved (1 Cor. 3:13-15).

For the sinner, God’s fire will burn and consume them. The sinner will be judged unto condemnation. The condemnation of God is an eternal condemnation where one dwells without the Lord for everlasting life. Nobody ought to desire to be caught up in such a judgment.

God, through His only begotten Son, has both promised and sealed the promise of His kingdom to those who are of sincere faith. Proverbs 1:7 tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise His wisdom and instruction.

The one who fears the Lord, His judgment, and condemnation of sin, will wisely strive to live in a manner that pleases Him. To live wisely, ones live in a manner that honors God. How do we honor the Lord? By giving to all of those as God has given to us. We are to be a blessing to others, rather than being a curse, one who hurts and causes grief. If we cause grief, what do you expect God to reward us with?